Christmas is once again upon us! I hope that everyone enjoys all the holiday season has to offer! My gift to you is, besides my radiating beauty, is this video I pilfered from Youtube (times are tough, don't judge).
May I present Mrs. Judy Garland, and her children, Lorna and Joe. Liza is off skating with her beau. Notice her fur trimmed wide necked gown... it was designed by Mr. Ray Aghayan. Gotta love his use of brocade.
Also for your viewing pleasures here is the original costume illustration by Mr. Bob Mackie!
Merry Christmas to you all my little Mack-inistas! May the season be encrusted with rhinestone filled wonderment!
Today Hollywood lost a great talent and Mr. Mackie lost his long time partner. Bob Mackie has worked with Ray Aghayan since almost the beginning of his career when he was assisting him on The Judy Garland Show. Aghayan was instrumental in getting the Academy of TV Art and Sciences to recognize the work of the costume designers and won the first Emmy along side Bob Mackie for their work in Alice Through the Looking Glass in 1967. They worked together on many other memorable and colorful projects including movies, TV Specials, and the Vegas Show "Hallelujah Hollywood".
Bob Mackie and Aghayan opened a Costume Studio in North Hollywood where they both worked out of. Mr. Mackie lost a dear friend today and my heart goes out to him and all of Mr. Aghayan's family and friends. His talent will be missed.
Today is the 69th Birthday of Miss Barbra Streisand. In her honor enjoy these costume design sketches from her appearance on "The Judy Garland Show" from 1963. The looks were designed by Ray Aghayan and were illustrated by his assistant. You may have heard of him. His name is Bob Mackie.
This little show called "Mad Men" will be beginning to film its 5th season after the "powers that be" finish sqabbling over money. You may have heard of the program, it's on AMC, that's a basic cable channel.One of the many beautiful aspects of this show is the Janie Bryant designed costumes.Season 4 of “Mad Men” took place in 1966 and the gang looked as slick and sexy as ever.
2 of Aghayan's desgins for Judy illustrated by Bob Mackie
TV in the 60s brings to mind the designers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.The costume designers of TV shows worked much like the movie designers of that time.The difference being that all of the actors’ clothing had to be designed and made on a WEEKLY basis!!Luckily a young Robert Mackie was there to save the day.Mr. Mackie’s first break was as Ray Aghayan’s assistant on “The Judy Garland Show” in 1963.His main responsibility was to illustrate Aghayan’s designs. Could you imagine how a call like that would have gone between Bob and his headhunter?
As well as working with Aghayan on other projects Bob Mackie also began designing various projects on his own.His 1960s highlights include: designing a Flying butterfly costume for Lucille Ball for the first episode of the “Danny Thomas Show”, Episodes of “HollywoodPalace” and the TV Special “Mitzi” starring Mitzi Gaynor.
Costume Illustration for Lucille Ball on the Danny Thomas Show
Being that Mr. Mackie worked extensively on TV through the 60s and 70s I feel he would be an amazing resource for the costume team on “Mad Men”.What better way to get information than from the original source?I have a feeling Bob may still have some of his original gowns or sketches in storage. Since Mr. Mackie owns a custom costume shop it would be easy for him to fabricate anything Janie may need for wardrobe.A collaboration by these two designers could be great for the shows aesthetic as well as a PR bonanza for both parties. If needed I can be called in to take notes, help with the sewing, and cater to their every need. I am a VERY valuable worker.
What do you guys, the die hard "Mad Men" fans think? Thoughts?
